Lake Eildon

Lake Eildon Fishing

Lake Eildon Fishing Guide

Lake Eildon is a big artificial lake in northeast Victoria, with over 500 kilometres of shoreline. It feels more like a network of waterways than just one lake. The southern side is lined with thick forest, while the north has grassy farmland. This gives anglers plenty of options, from sheltered arms and open banks to deep channels and easy shoreline access. You can launch boats at the Alliance ramp near the dam wall, Jerusalem Creek, and Goughs Bay. Smaller ramps are open when water levels are high enough. There are also several marinas and lots of houseboats, so many people fish from the water. Around popular fishing spots, you will find useful facilities like toilets, picnic areas, and BBQ spots. There are campgrounds at Jerusalem Creek, the main Eildon township, and Goughs Bay, offering both basic and powered sites, which makes it easy to stay close to the water. These amenities help anglers and families plan a comfortable visit, whether just for the day or an extended trip.

Because Lake Eildon is so large, picking the right spot is important. The dam wall and deep channels are great for trolling for trout, especially from April to October when the weather is cooler. If you are targeting trout here, try using Tassie Devils, small hardbody lures, or winged lures in bright colours, and live baits like worms when bait fishing. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to fish anywhere on the lake. If you want to fish from the shore, Eildon Pondage is a good choice, especially for families. It has easy bank access and is stocked with trophy rainbow trout. Powerbait, earthworms, and chunky soft plastics work well at the Pondage for rainbow trout. Jerusalem Creek is popular for fishing around structure, and the Big River Arm is known for its native fish. Try spinnerbaits and soft plastics, as they seem effective for Murray cod and yellowbelly. Large diving lures and yabbies also work well in the Big River Arm for these species.

Lake Eildon Fishing Tactics

Fishing tactics should match the water being covered. Trolling suits the dam wall, channels, and broader open water. Your fishing tactics should suit the area you are fishing in.

Trolling works well near the dam wall, in channels, and in open water because it helps you cover more ground.

I’ve had success using Size 2 and 3 Stump Jumpers in the lake system here, especially around submerged trees. However, the popularity of this lure seems to be waning according to a Stump Jumper Fishing Reports analysis I recently performed. So your mileage may vary,

Shore fishing is easier at Eildon Pondage and other spots with good bank access, where you can cast from stable ground.

Bait fishing and casting are also good options, especially if you can fish near clear banks, arms, or structure. Always check if the smaller ramps are open, since they depend on the lake level.

One unique rule at Lake Eildon is that the usual three-month closed season for Murray cod does not apply, so you are allowed to fish for cod all year round here. This exception is in place because of the lake’s specific management and stocking arrangements. However, all other local regulations on size and bag limits still apply to Murray cod, and you should follow any signs or area-specific rules. Other fishing rules, including size and bag limits, still apply. Here are some of the main limits for popular species at Lake Eildon as a guide:

• Murray cod: minimum size 55 cm, maximum size 75 cm, bag limit 1 per person per day
• Golden perch (yellowbelly): minimum size 30 cm, bag limit 5 per person per day
• Trout (rainbow and brown): no minimum size in lakes, bag limit 5 combined per person per day, with no more than 2 fish over 40 cm
• Redfin: no size limit, no bag limit

Please check the latest Victorian regulations before you go fishing, as rules can change and some areas may have additional restrictions.